Casanova Brown (1944)

In this hilarious romantic comedy, Gary Cooper gets a lesson in diapers and formula after stealing his child from his ex-wife (Teresa Wright), who had plans to give it up for adoption

Director:

Sam Wood

Writers:

Nunnally Johnson (written for the screen by), Floyd Dell (play)

Stars:

Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, Frank Morgan

Nominated for 3 Oscars.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gary Cooper	...	Casanova Brown
Teresa Wright	...	Isabel Drury
Frank Morgan	...	J.J. Ferris
Anita Louise	...	Madge Ferris
Edmund Breon	...	Mr. Drury (as Edmond Breon)
Patricia Collinge	...	Mrs. Drury
Jill Esmond	...	Dr. Martha Zernecke
Mary Treen	...	Monica Case
Emory Parnell	...	Frank
Isobel Elsom	...	Mrs. Ferris
Halliwell Hobbes	...	Charles
Charles Cane	...	Hicks
Larry Olsen	...	Junior (as Larry Joe Olson)
Irving Bacon	...	Hotel Manager
Dorothy Tree	...	Nurse Clark

Storyline

Cas Brown is about to marry for the second time; his first marriage, to Isabel, was annulled. But when he discovers that Isabel just had their baby, Cas kidnaps the infant to keep her from being adopted. Isabel's parents hunt for the child and discover that Cas and Isabel are still hopelessly in love.

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Plot Keywords:

character name as title | two word title | baby | marriage | reference to casanova | 

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Taglines:

A nice guy with a naughty name...who had a soft heart for every dame!

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Paulette Goddard was originally considered for the role of Isabel, ultimately portrayed by Teresa Wright.

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Goofs

The year on a postmark seen in a closeup is 1944, but the tag on the baby's basket indicates the year is 1941.

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Quotes

Casanova Brown: As for my character. I believe I behave responsibly. I'm not overly susceptible to girls.

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Connections

Version of Little Accident (1930)

User Reviews

Labored Comedy

A man named Casanova becomes involved with a number of women and a cute baby. This attempt at screwball comedy has a few amusing moments but much of the humor is forced. Despite the efforts of veteran screenwriter Johnson and director Woods, the film takes a while to get going and soon runs out of steam. Cooper tries hard but can't overcome the weak script. Morgan comes off best, playing Cooper's would-be father-in-law. Wright is perky as Cooper's wife, but seems too young for him; there was an age difference of over 17 years between them. Interestingly, the baby girl is played by a fellow named Billy Chapin, who went on to have a brief acting career before retiring at age 16.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 September 1944 (Mexico)

Also Known As:

Casanova Brown

Filming Locations:

Cedars of Lebanon Hospital - 4833 Fountain Avenue, East Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

International Pictures (I), Christie Corporation, Nunnally Johnson Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1